The minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies provides a broad interdisciplinary study of the Holocaust and other genocides of the 20th and 21st centuries. Studies about the Holocaust and other genocides address a central tenet of education: What does it mean to be a responsible citizen in a democratic society? Such study can help students realize that:

• The genocide of the Jews during World War II and the Nazi Era was a “watershed event” in human history.
• Democratic institutions and values are not automatically sustained but need to be appreciated, nurtured, and protected.
• Silence and indifference to the suffering of others, or to the infringement of human and civil rights in any society—however unintentionally—serves to perpetrate the problems.
• Genocides are not “accidents” in history— genocides occur because individuals, organizations and governments make choices that not only legalize discrimination but allow prejudice,hatred and ultimately mass murder to occur.

In view of the mandate by the State of New Jersey requiring the study of Holocaust and genocide-related issues as part of school curricula, some of the courses in the minor may be attractive to students who are pursuing a major and who also may eventually want to obtain certification in education. The Holocaust and genocide minor provides a good preparation for Stockton undergraduate students who plan, after graduation, to enroll in the University’s Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (MAHG) program.

PROGRAM ORGANIZATION

Completion of the minor requires a minimum of twenty credits in courses related to the minor. A range of relevant classes is offered under both General Studies and program acronyms. These undergraduate courses provide the opportunity for a broad overall investigation of Holocaust and Genocide Studies as well as an in-depth consideration of specific issues related to these areas.

Courses relevant to the minor are offered every semester and are open to any student at Stockton, and on a space-available basis, to non-matriculated students. Every formal course in the minor carries four credits. Independent study courses may also be carried out with faculty members who teach in the minor. However, no more than one independent study course may be used toward meeting the requirements of the minor and that independent study course cannot be one of the three required courses.

REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF THE MINOR

There are no special requirements for admission into the program. There are no special minimum grade requirements beyond those required by the University for graduation. While there are no special requirements for admission into the minor, students must take and pass a minimum of 20 credits—five courses, each of which is four credits—related to the minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, including two (2) required courses: GSS 2240, The Holocaust and GAH 2114, Perspectives on Genocide. A minimum of three (3) additional courses in Holocaust and Genocide Studies beyond the two (2) required courses must be completed. These should be selected from the list of courses provided below.

LITT 3206 Literature After the HolocaustLITT 3318 Literature and Genocide

Additional courses are developed on a regular basis in response to the needs of the undergraduate minor. Courses not on this list may be acceptable towards the minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. However, such approval must be given by the Coordinator of Holocaust and Genocide Studies before the student takes the course.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCESUndergraduates studying for the minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies are eligible to apply to The Richard Stockton University Foundation for special undergraduate scholarships and book awards specifically designated for students interested in the study of the Holocaust. These include the George Greenman Memorial Scholarship, the Marsha Grossman Scholarship, the Chipkin Memorial Scholarship and the Koopman-van de Kar Scholarship.

A regional Holocaust Resource Center, co-sponsored by the University and the Federation of Jewish Agencies of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, is housed in the Stockton University Library. Opened in 1990, the Center serves as a focal point for the study of the Holocaust and other genocides. The Center houses artifacts and oral histories, in addition to many books, videos and other resources. Students are able to serve an internship for academic credit at the Holocaust Resource Center. The Center is easily accessible. Its trained and experienced staff is available to provide guidance.

Stockton has very strong library and media collections in the area of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, augmented by a recent substantial grant for the further development of our print, media and audio-visual holdings.

The Ida E. King Distinguished Visiting Scholar in Holocaust and Genocide Studies brings to Stockton on a rotating basis, for one or two semesters each year, scholars of international renown to teach about the Holocaust and other genocides and to pursue scholarly work in their field.

Faculty who teach in the area of Holocaust and Genocide Studies come from a variety of disciplines and from various schools of the University. In addition, several half-time faculty members hold appointments in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. In addition to the Undergraduate Minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Stockton also offers a Master of Arts degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Opportunities for relevant overseas study are available through Stockton’s Coordinator of International Education. Stockton students may also undertake credit-bearing study visits (combined with subsequent independent studies) during the winter break or in the summer. Scholarships to help defray part of the cost of such study are often available.

For more information, contact Judith Vogel, the Coordinator of the minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Her office is B-120; her email is Judith.Vogel@Stockton.edu; and her telephone is (609) 626-5548.. The Holocaust Resource Center has other resources, as does the online journal, Dimensions, an online journal about holocaust study. You can also reach the coordinator through Coordinator of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, NJ 08205, Phone: (609) 652-4553.

Michael R. Hayse (1996), Associate Professor of History; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; M.A., University of Maryland; B.A., Dartmouth College; Modern European history, German history, Eastern European history, history of the Holocaust.

Marion Hussong (2002), Professor of Literature and Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies; Ph.D., M.A., University of Pennsylvania; B.A., Rutgers, The State University; Holocaust Literature, 19th and 20th century German and Austrian literature, comparative literature, children’s literature.

Elisa von Joeden-Forgey (2013), Associate Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania; comparative genocide studies, intellectual and world history, modern Germany and Africa, colonialism/imperalism, gender and sexual violence.Carol Rittner (1994), Distinguished Professor Emeriti of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Professor of Holocaust Studies, Coordinator of Holocaust and Genocide Studies; D.Ed., The Pennsylvania State University; M.T.S., St. John’s Seminary; M.A., University of Maryland; B.A., Misericordia University; women during the Holocaust and other genocides, theological issues related to the Holocaust and other genocides, rescue during the Holocaust, Jewish- Christian relations; genocides in the 20th and 21st centuries; rape as a weapon of war and genocide.